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Fuel (vegetation) is the fire triangle element that can be managed. We have drought maps, but they don’t tell us about fuels. Red flag warnings consider vegetation moisture, but they are issued only under certain weather conditions. We need maps to explicitly show the fire threats for different fuel types, particularly in unmanaged lands near communities. They would alert nearby communities of the real threat to their homes. Fuel maps would help landowners with their fuel management. Agencies would be able to make fact-based decisions. Fuels can be mapped with remote sensing technologies and ground truthing.
The Wildland Fire Action Guide focuses on homeowners, but it is the last line of defense. The priority should be to manage wildland vegetation to protect lives and homes.
Mike Nishimoto
Kahului
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